Phoenix critics honor ‘Slumdog’

'Milk' cast wins ensemble prize

The Phoenix Film Critics Society named Danny Boyle’s “Slumdog Millionaire” best picture of the year at their 9th annual awards.

“Slumdog” nabbed six of the 27 honors handed out by the org, including director, adapted screenplay, editing, breakthrough performance for Dev Patel and best performance by a youth (male) for Ayush Mahesh Khedekar.

Top acting honors went to Sean Penn for “Milk” and Meryl Streep for “Doubt.” “Milk” was also recognized for best ensemble.

“In Bruges” took home prizes for overlooked film, breakthrough behind the camera and best screenplay.

The Phoenix Film Critics Society is made up of journalists from Phoenix-area print, TV and radio outlets.

And the winners are:

Picture“Slumdog Millionaire”

Top Ten Films of 2008 (in alphabetical order)

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”

“The Dark Knight”

“Frost/Nixon”

“In Bruges”

“Milk”

“The Reader”

“Slumdog Millionaire”

“The Visitor”

“Wall-E”

“The Wrestler”

DirectorDanny Boyle, “Slumdog Millionaire”

Performance by an Actor in a Lead RoleSean Penn, “Milk”

Performance by an Actress in a Lead RoleMeryl Streep, “Doubt”

Performance by an Actor in a Supporting RoleHeath Ledger, “The Dark Knight”

Performance by an Actress in a Supporting RoleMarisa Tomei, “The Wrestler”